Cook County

Oak Lawn renews business license amnesty

By Dylan Sharkey
11/02/2023
Illinois Policy Institute research inspired Oak Lawn to waive licensing fees for hundreds of businesses in the village. The village board unanimously voted to extend the amnesty.

Vallas: Chicago can use home rule powers to curb crime

By Paul Vallas
09/19/2023
The SAFE-T Act could make it too hard for Chicago to detain offenders. Residents can’t afford that when the city is already amid a violent crime surge. Chicago leaders should use home rule powers to create a city public safety act.

TAGS: crime

Vallas: SAFE-T Act starts Monday. 4 ways to make it safer

By Paul Vallas
09/14/2023
Proponents of the SAFE-T Act see it as an end to discrimination in a system that favors the wealthy. Opponents see it as depriving law enforcement of the tools they need to keep streets safe. Both are right. Four legislative actions could fix that.

TAGS: SAFE-T Act

Chicago Fact Sheet

08/28/2023
Chicago is one of the nation's greatest cities, but it has challenges. An outline of four of the most significant problems.